Don’t be misled – the fact this is an album on Rough Trade doesn’t mean it’s guitar-led. In fact this seems to mark a bit of a new direction for the label, as this is the pseudonym for techno artist Hendrik Weber. He makes the sort of music that would suit lovers of all things Kompakt, writing organic music that gradually grows while keeping itself firmly in touch with basic rhythmic elements. These come in the form of field recordings of the Swiss Alps, including Alpine bells, steel pans and marimbas in the mix, while the full bass and kick drum sounds keep things sturdy at the lower end. The Animal Collective’s Panda Bear guests on ‘Stick To My Side’, which carries a greater impact as the only vocal track on the album, while the sparkling treble sounds of the bells are best heard on ‘Lay In A Shimmer’ and ‘Behind The Stars’. It’s all strangely heart warming.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood